[4] When the intravenous fluids were fat-free, IOP's were significantly lower than when fat was included. Since certain fat-derived blood chemicals called prostaglandins were greatly reduced in the fat-free phase, and since prostaglandins are known to influence IOP, they theorized that this was the reason for the effect they were observing. Therefore, it may have been the ultra-low fat content of the "rice diet" which was responsible for the lowering of IOP. Certainly, further studies on low-fat diets would be welcome. (Caution: the rice diet as described is nutritionally inadequate and should not be attempted on your own.)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

(AMD) Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of loss of vision in people over the age of 55. The degeneration involves the central part of the retina where the best vision is, sparing peripheral vision. In a small minority of people with this condition, abnormal blood vessels can grow behind the retina where they can leak and bleed. If this is detected before the blood vessels reach the exact center of the retina, the vessels can sometimes be obliterated with laser. Zinc and Copper Supplementation Nutritional therapy is now all the rage in AMD. Zinc is the most abundant trace mineral in the eye, and a study published in 1988 showed that oral zinc sulfate, 100 mg twice a day, might slow the progression of AMD

.[5] A plethora of zinc/antioxidant supplements has since appeared on the market. The products, promoted by drug companies and often sold by ophthalmologists, are now heavily used. In examining whether high-dose zinc supplementation is justified, we encounter some problems and uncertainties. First, only this one study has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Generally, a study, no matter how well done, should be confirmed by additional studies. Second, only one dosage of zinc was studied. Perhaps a much smaller dose would also be effective. Third, large amounts of zinc can impair the immune system by affecting white blood cell function.